Photos: First look at J&J’s Ottava surgical robot

Johnson & Johnson MedTech has received FDA authorization for its Ottava surgical robot, which is designed as the world's first table-integrated soft-tissue robotics system. The robot features four arms built directly into the operating table that tuck underneath when not in use, reducing operating room space by 30-50% compared to traditional boom-and-cart systems. The system includes redesigned surgical instruments, such as a needle driver with separate cut and suture modes and improved scissors, developed based on surgeon surveys identifying common problems like accidental suture cuts and dull cutting tools. The Ottava system can automate setup and breakdown procedures, save time during workflows, and integrate with a digital ecosystem for data collection and training.